Quick table
| Service | Base price / mo | Channels | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fubo | $84.99+ | 200+ | Largest channel count; no TNT/TBS reported |
| YouTube TV | $82.99 | 100+ | Unlimited DVR reported |
| Hulu + Live TV | $89.99 | 100+ | Includes Disney+ and ESPN |
| DirecTV Stream | $86.99+ | 90+ | Regional sports strength reported |
| Sling TV | $45.99+ | 30-50+ | Lowest base price; locals in select markets |
Prices are regular rates reported by Household Advocate (Aug. 13, 2026), without promotions, taxes or fees. They change; confirm on the service.
Fubo news
Fubo and Hulu + Live TV closed their merger on October 29, 2025. Disney owns about 70% of the combined company, with the rest held by former Fubo shareholders; the companies said both services would remain separate, with their own plans and prices (TheWrap). The combined company reported nearly 6 million North American subscribers at closing.
Each service
Checked October 14, 2026, from the services’ own announcements and independent reporting. We do not rank them and do not name a winner: the best fit depends on your ZIP code, your teams and your budget.
Fubo
Live TV bundleWho runs it
Majority-owned by Disney (about 70%) since the Hulu + Live TV merger closed on Oct. 29, 2025; Fubo remains a separate service in its own app.
Price (reported)
From $84.99 a month (Elite listed at $94.99). 200+ channels.
Good for
The largest channel count in this comparison, from one 2026 source.
Watch for
The same source reports it does not carry the Warner-owned channels TNT and TBS. A regional sports fee can apply.
YouTube TV
Live TV bundleWho runs it
Operated by Google.
Price (reported)
$82.99 a month. 100+ channels.
Good for
One 2026 source reports unlimited DVR storage, with recordings kept nine months.
Watch for
Price is among the higher base prices here. Local channels depend on your address.
Hulu + Live TV
Live TV bundleWho runs it
Combined with Fubo under Disney’s majority ownership; both services remain available separately with their own plans and prices.
Price (reported)
$89.99 a month. 100+ channels, includes Disney+ and ESPN, per one 2026 source.
Good for
Bundles live TV with Disney+ and ESPN access in one price.
Watch for
Highest base price in this table.
DirecTV Stream
Live TV bundleWho runs it
Operated by DirecTV.
Price (reported)
From $86.99 a month; Choice and Ultimate plans listed at $94.99 to $124.99. 90+ channels.
Good for
One 2026 source calls it strong on regional sports networks.
Watch for
Regional sports can add a fee. Check the plan that contains your teams.
Sling TV
Budget live TVWho runs it
Operated by DISH Network.
Price (reported)
Orange and Blue are $45.99 each; Orange + Blue is $60.99. About 30 to 50+ channels.
Good for
The lowest base price in this table.
Watch for
Limited local-channel coverage: locals only in select markets, per one 2026 source. Fewer channels overall.
Philo
Entertainment-focusedWho runs it
Operated by Philo, Inc.
Price (reported)
We did not find a current price in our sources; check the service.
Good for
Aimed at entertainment and lifestyle channels at a lower cost.
Watch for
Generally not built for live sports or local news. Verify which channels it carries before you rely on it.
ESPN Unlimited
Single-network appWho runs it
Operated by ESPN (Disney).
Price (reported)
$31.99 a month from Sept. 17, 2026, up from $29.99. ESPN Select is $13.99.
Good for
ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, ACC Network and more in ESPN’s own app, with more than 47,000 live events a year, per ESPN’s announcement. Subscribers to some pay-TV providers, including YouTube TV, can get it at no extra charge.
Watch for
Covers ESPN’s networks only. It is not a replacement for locals, news or other sports networks.
Fox One and ESPN bundle
Single-network appWho runs it
Operated by Fox and ESPN.
Price (reported)
A bundle was announced at $39.99 a month when it launched in October 2025; the price may have changed.
Good for
Pairs two sports-heavy brands in one price.
Watch for
Not a full channel lineup. Confirm current price and what is included.
Other ways to watch
Each broadcast or cable network also sells its own app that carries its own sports (for example Peacock, Paramount+ and Fox One). Subscribing to one network only makes sense if the games you want are all on it. Free options are on the free options page.
Before you subscribe
- Enter your ZIP code. Local channels and regional sports differ by address.
- Check your teams. Look up each team’s broadcaster for the season.
- Read the total price. Add taxes, fees, extra-cost add-ons and the price after any promotion ends.
- Read the cancel terms. Know how to cancel and whether you can pause.
Sources
- Household Advocate, live TV streaming comparison (Aug. 13, 2026).
- NewscastStudio, ESPN price increase (Aug. 24, 2026).
- TheWrap, Fubo and Hulu + Live TV merger (Oct. 29, 2025) and ESPN-Fox One bundle at launch.
Philo’s price was not in our sources. We state no figure we could not source.